E-Journal 6
Guess now I'm down to my last E-Journal, and the mixed feelings are still lingering. SIP at Gallery Hotel has indeed proved very useful. I have learnt many technical skills, such as standing behind the reception counter, attending to every single detail and work which needs to be done there. That provides me with quite some customer interaction too, although I did not really like it at first as compared to the customer interaction at the concierge counter. I have learnt how to deal with a working schedule, how it works in conjunction with your personal life. I have learnt much more then just front office operations, due to interaction with other department staff and operations, such as liasing with housekeeping and food and beverage departments.
Besides technical skills, I have also developed people skills, or communication skills. As I have mentioned in my previous journal entry, I have opened up abit more, and start talking to guests or colleagues instead of waiting for them to talk to me. This is an important skill to acquire in my opinion, because everywhere you go, and whatever you do, you will require good communication skills. This ensures that we get understood, and what message we want to bring across gets across. So be it in HTM industry, or Marketing industry or business, communication skills is an essential.
Next, service. Many people say our industry is about good service, proper procedures of service, etc. I feel that our industry is much more then just service. Our industry involves not only service, but relations between customer and supplier. Our job is rather to help the guest in his needs, then just providing him with room and service. Those are just hospitality essentials, where the relationship between us and guests proves the gap between essentials and excellence.
The experience I have gained is invaluable, due to the reason that this is a one time opportunity. Throughout my learning journey, everyone along the way has helped in a way or another. From my colleagues guiding me along the way, to my managers teaching me, to my liason officer showing me what I should do and what I should not do. Everybody has played a part, and my thanks goes out to them. Learning can come from another person's experience. For example, my colleague experienced an unreasonable guest and he learnt how to deal with it. In turn, he shared his experiences with me, and I had a better idea of what to do and what not to do. When perhaps I am out in the industry, and there is someone who needs help or guidance, I could in turn impart what I have gone through to help out that someone. I have realised that the hospitality industry involves a you-help-me and I-help-you attitude, if not we would probably face more difficulties surviving than we already have.
I would like to end off saying that the experience I have gone through is priceless and invaluable, and it has definitely been an eye opener. I have tasted the some 'pleasant' and 'unpleasants', and it has prepared me for more. More useful essentials would be owning a positive learning attitude, know your products, why you are doing what you are doing. Most importantly, enjoy what you are doing. It works wonders. I have had fun and pain throughout the attachment, lots of memories to keep, and many new friendships. Cheers to you all!
Besides technical skills, I have also developed people skills, or communication skills. As I have mentioned in my previous journal entry, I have opened up abit more, and start talking to guests or colleagues instead of waiting for them to talk to me. This is an important skill to acquire in my opinion, because everywhere you go, and whatever you do, you will require good communication skills. This ensures that we get understood, and what message we want to bring across gets across. So be it in HTM industry, or Marketing industry or business, communication skills is an essential.
Next, service. Many people say our industry is about good service, proper procedures of service, etc. I feel that our industry is much more then just service. Our industry involves not only service, but relations between customer and supplier. Our job is rather to help the guest in his needs, then just providing him with room and service. Those are just hospitality essentials, where the relationship between us and guests proves the gap between essentials and excellence.
The experience I have gained is invaluable, due to the reason that this is a one time opportunity. Throughout my learning journey, everyone along the way has helped in a way or another. From my colleagues guiding me along the way, to my managers teaching me, to my liason officer showing me what I should do and what I should not do. Everybody has played a part, and my thanks goes out to them. Learning can come from another person's experience. For example, my colleague experienced an unreasonable guest and he learnt how to deal with it. In turn, he shared his experiences with me, and I had a better idea of what to do and what not to do. When perhaps I am out in the industry, and there is someone who needs help or guidance, I could in turn impart what I have gone through to help out that someone. I have realised that the hospitality industry involves a you-help-me and I-help-you attitude, if not we would probably face more difficulties surviving than we already have.
I would like to end off saying that the experience I have gone through is priceless and invaluable, and it has definitely been an eye opener. I have tasted the some 'pleasant' and 'unpleasants', and it has prepared me for more. More useful essentials would be owning a positive learning attitude, know your products, why you are doing what you are doing. Most importantly, enjoy what you are doing. It works wonders. I have had fun and pain throughout the attachment, lots of memories to keep, and many new friendships. Cheers to you all!
posted by Fagan Cheong at 4:14 AM
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